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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

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“We the People’ protesting mandates JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Sheriff Brian Pixley

‘People of Columbia County want our county back,’ Sheriff says JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley has posted a letter to Gov. Kate Brown on the Columbia County Sheriff’s Facebook page stating he will not enforce the state’s latest COVID-19 health and safety requirements. Pixley also chargers that Brown’s latest pandemic related mandates are unconstitutional. The following is Pixley’s letter to Gov. Brown. “I write to you today on behalf of the citizens of Columbia County in hopes of opening a dialogue. As Sheriff, it is my responsibility to provide for the peace and safety of those in Columbia County. I believe it is in the best interest of Columbia County, and all other counties throughout Oregon, to retain local control over decisions affecting the public health and safety and to protect the individual choice of those we represent.

I, and other elected leaders in Columbia County, have the right to do what is in the best interest for our community. Let us do so. ~ Brian Pixley, Columbia County Sheriff

“The people of Columbia County want our county back. The citizens have endured “two weeks to flatten the curve,” unemployment and the loss of several of our small businesses over the last year and a half and we have had enough!” “You have once again initiated what many consider to be an unconstitutional mandate by requiring our children and citizens to wear masks and by requiring vaccinations for state employees, healthcare workers and teaching staff. We have had enough of your overreaching mandates and bullying threats. In short, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office will not be enforcing vaccination requirements or mask mandates. “The citizens of Columbia County will choose to wear a mask or chose not to wear a mask. We will choose to get vaccinated or choose not to get See PIXLEY Page A5 Opinion ..................... A4 Cartoon ..................... A4 Obituaries ................. A6 TV Guide ................... A7 Classified Ads ......... A8 Legals .................. A8-10 Crossword .............. A10 Police Report ......... A11

Locals not happy with the pandemic related health and safety mandates are speaking up. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. the Columbia County Board of Commissioners are expected to meet in regular session and could hear from citizens concerned about the latest pandemic health and safety requirements. A Facebook event post, said to be hosted by Tiffany Galloway and Sarah Heppner, is encouraging such participation. “Have concerns about the state’s mandates? Tired of the endless lockdowns and requirements to participate in society? Join us at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25 for the County Commissioners weekly meeting and let’s tell them We The People know whats best for our families, our businesses and our community. Signs are welcome, just keep them clean as children will be present,” the Facebook post reads. The Chronicle’s questions As Columbia County navigates through the latest COVID-19 case surge and state health and safety requirements, The Chronicle is monitoring how local and county governments are working in the best interests of our community. We have mailed the following questions to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, Margaret Magruder, Henry Heimuller and Casey Garrett. -First, what is your message to Columbia County residents and business operators who may be

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners are scheduled to meet virtually at the Columbia County Courthouse at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25.

frustrated, worried, concerned, and uneasy about the current mandates and what the pandemic may bring next? -What would you have those who are concerned about the mandates do to help them navigate through the pandemic? -What specifically has the Columbia County Board of Commissioners done and will do in the days and weeks ahead to help guide our communities as we all attempt to move ahead through the uncertainties of the pandemic?

The following is the response to The Chronicle’s questions, sent to us by Columbia County Public Information Officer Mark Pacheco. “The Governor’s decision to enact another state-wide mask mandate has created a stressful situation for all of us in Columbia County. The order to wear masks in indoor public places was issued at the state level, bypassing the authority of the county’s elected officials to determine what is best for our community. “The Governor has appointed

OSHA to be the enforcement arm for the mask mandate, imposing fines of up to $500 per day per occurrence. County agencies and employees have been instructed to complying with the directives of the mandate while we continue to work with the Governor and her staff on behalf of the residents of Columbia County. “The county has recently experienced a spike in the number of See PROTEST Page A6

K12 school staff, health care workers must be vaccinated SNAP to see largest, permanent benefit increase JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

This fall, individuals and families in Columbia County, across Oregon and the nation who depend on food stamp assistance will see what the Biden Administration calls a significant and permanent increase in benefits. It is reportedly the largest single increase in the food stamp system’s history, which now operates as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Impact in Oregon

“With over 845 Oregonians hospitalized from COVID-19

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Press Secretary Jake Sunderland said The Biden Administration made the announcement Monday, Aug. 16, and his department is still analyzing the changes and what they will mean to SNAP in Oregon. “According to federal government, this change will increase SNAP benefits distributed in Oregon by $337 million,” Sunderland said. “For SNAP households this change on average will be about $36 more in money to buy food per person – or about $1.20 per day.” The change in benefits takes effect Oct. 1. Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most SNAP households are temporarily receiving the maximum benefit amount for their

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

Gov. Brown and state and local health officials continue to stress that the best way to stop the current pandemic surge is for those who are not vaccinated, to get vaccinated. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Gov. Kate Brown has announced two new vaccination measures to address Oregon’s hospital crisis, caused by the Delta variant surge. Brown said the measures will help keep Oregon students safe in the upcoming school year and minimize disruptions to in-person instruction. • Oregon’s vaccination requirement for health care workers will no longer have a testing alterna-

tive. Health care workers will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 18 or six weeks after full FDA approval, whichever is later. • All teachers, educators, support staff, and volunteers in K-12 schools will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 18 or six weeks after full FDA approval, whichever is later. “Our kids need to be in the classroom full time, five days a week,” Brown said.” “We have to do everything we can to make that happen. COVID-19 poses a threat

to our kids. Our kids need to be protected and they need to be in school. That’s why I am willing to take the heat for this decision.” Brown made the announcement during a Thursday, Aug. 19 media briefing. By the numbers

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Vol. 139, No. 34

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Surging cases in Columbia County, whats’s next? JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia County recorded 80 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases between Friday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 22, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), which reported 4,701 cases statewide during that same period, bringing the state total to 257,644. The OHA also reported the state’s COVID-19 death toll at 3,036 following 24 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon between Friday and Sunday. COVID-19 hospitalizations As of Monday, Aug. 23, there were 937 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon, which is 37 more than Sunday, Aug.22. There were 253 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 22 more than Sunday. There are 47 available adult ICU beds out of 657 total (7% availability) and 349 available adult nonICU beds out of 4,172 (8% availability). Legacy Health has announced as of Aug. 23, it has paused all non-urgent surgical procedures for a period of two weeks to create bed capacity inside our hospitals for critically ill patients. Legacy officials said they will continue to assess and modify scheduled procedures throughout the organization to ensure they have the right resources available to care for the needs of the communities. Legacy has a clinic at 475 S. Columbia River Highway in St. Helens. The Chronicle has been keeping in close touch throughout the pandemic with Columbia County Public Health Director Michal Paul to help provide our readers with critical information about the health and safety of our community. The following are our latest inquiries for his insight and Paul’s responses. The Chronicle: Despite the state and county efforts to get people vaccinated, we

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and 226 Oregonians in our ICU’s (intensive care units), our hospital and ICU beds are over 93% full,” Brown said. “Overwhelmingly, the Oregonians who are being hospitalized or who are dying from COVID-19 are unvaccinated.” “Our hospital system is on the verge of collapse,” Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen said. “Patients are spending days in emergency rooms because critical care beds aren’t available. Patients are parked in hallways and staffing is critically short.” Allen said more than a quarter of the adult population remains unvaccinated. “This triple grip of the Delta variant is tightening,” Oregon State Epidemiologist Dean Sidelinger said. St. Charles Medical Center Bend’s Chief Physician

continue to see low vaccination rates at various points across Columbia County. Why is that? Michael Paul: Community members have likely heard a wide variety of information (both accurate and inaccurate) regarding the COVID-19 vaccine over the course of this pandemic so we can’t point to a single reason, and it is detrimental to make assumptions about the factors people are using to make health decisions. The reality is that nuanced and thoughtful conversations between patients and health care providers are the most effective tool right now. The traditional health care setting is designed to create privacy for patients and providers to have safe conversations, and this allows health care providers to initiate discussions about vaccination, and uncover information a patient is using to make health decisions. Providers have an opportunity to really understand a patient’s source of information, motivations and perceptions of risk. The Chronicle: Briefly, tell us how the Delta variant is able to spread so quickly and what it does that could lead to death. Paul: People who are infected with the Delta variant have more copies of the virus in their respiratory tracts than those infected with the original strain. There is also evidence that people who are infected can transmit the virus earlier in the course of their illness and before they are symptomatic and aware of the infection. The Chronicle: Given the sharp COVID-19 case jumps and hospitalizations over the past few weeks, are you worried that we are reaching a point were businesses and schools will be forced to close down again, this time to slow the spread of the Delta variant? Paul: Additional measures beyond promoting vaccination and wearing masks are a last resort because Jeff Absalon also joined the Zoom media briefing. “I can’t overstate this,” Absalon said. “What we are going through right now is unimaginable. We are overwhelmed and this is really a dire situation.” Absalon said health care workers are suffering from moral injury because they are not able to care for their patients due to the surge. Brown said the state doesn’t have enough health care professionals to treat patients. “We are all at risk right now when our hospitals are full,” Brown said. “There may not be a hospital bed for you if you have an unexpected emergency. When ambulances have no where to go, people die from preventable deaths.” Seeking more resources Brown said she is deploying all available resources to help, including deploying the National Guard and nurse

Once the FDA and ACIP complete their reviews, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup will assess the recommendation. Last, the OHA will establish state guidance for booster shots in Oregon. The Chronicle: What is it that you believe is most important for our community to understand about this health crisis?

Metro Creative Connection / The Chronicle

The Oregon Health Authority reported 80 new cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County between Friday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 22.

they have other detrimental side effects. Health care system capacity is the main reason to trigger additional measures; specifically, staff capacity. There are ways to add and manage hospital bed capacity, but you still need health care workers to staff alternative care sites. There are currently over 900 patients hospitalized with COVID in Oregon; it’s is an all-time high and well beyond 400, which is the mark the state was previously using to trigger the extreme risk measures. We don’t have a hospital in Columbia County so we have to closely review regional health care capacity and listen to what regional health care leaders report. Currently, regional leaders are warning us that the recent flood of COVID patients is straining the workforce and it reduces their ability to provide quality non-COVID care. The concern is shared by health care leaders in all of the counties surrounding Columbia, including Cowlitz, Clatsop, Clark, Multnomah and Washington. The Chronicle: From your insight, what are people’s fear about this latest pandemic surge?

stem from social, physical and economic factors. As it pertains to our health, we can control and address some of the fear by taking action to make a health care appointment we have been postponing, whether it be a vaccination, a dental checkup or counseling. When it comes to the fear of being infected, vaccinated individuals might find comfort in reading the Oregon Health Authority Breakthrough Infection Report. According to the report released on 8/19, cases of COVID-19 are much more common in unvaccinated Oregonians than in vaccinated Oregonians. During August 1-14, there were 20,701 cases of COVID-19. 17,719 (85.6%) were unvaccinated and 2982 (14.4%) were vaccine breakthrough cases. Second, the report finds that Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness and death. Relatively few breakthrough cases have been hospitalized, and even fewer have died; to date, 5.8% of all known breakthrough cases have been hospitalized, and only 0.8% have died.

booster vaccinations and the White House was to announce that the boosters could be available in September. When and where would the booster shots be available in Columbia County, who would likely get the booster shots first and why, and would the shots be free? Paul: The county is planning for booster shots in the coming months, and we will need all of the COVID-19 vaccine providers in our county to help administer doses, including clinics, pharmacies, school-based health centers and EMS providers. However, we ask for patience from the public because the Oregon Health Authority has not yet issued guidance to vaccine providers. At this time, public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a media statement related to COVID-19 booster shots for the mRNA vaccines, but before any booster shots are distributed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must first review the safety and effectiveness of administering booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will then review the FDA’s evaluation.

Paul: Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this question. I ask people to consider why the governmental response has been different for SARS-CoV-2. It’s certainly not the case that public health officials think suicide, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, substance use and accidents are less important. Rather, SARS-CoV-2 requires a different governmental response because it is an airborne infectious disease that has the potential to rapidly lead to enough cases of moderate and severe disease to overwhelm health systems. It is the only leading cause of death, aside from flu, that is an infectious disease, and compared with recent flu strains, SARSCoV-2 is more contagious, it causes more serious illnesses and more hospitalizations and deaths in healthy people, and we’re still learning about post-COVID conditions and multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). As we’ve seen five times in Oregon now, too many new cases in a short timeframe strains our ability to provide hospital level of care to COVID and nonCOVID patients. Health care systems and workers have done a tremendous job of pivoting to address COVID, but it’s important for the public to know that there is breaking point, and too many COVID cases could mean the systems cannot guarantee the highest quality of care.

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Paul: There’s a wide range of legitimate fears that

The Chronicle: We understand that the CDC is recommending COVID-19

strike teams, establishing temporary decompression units to free up bed space and removing barriers to discharging patients who no longer require hospital-level care. Oregon has made requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the BidenHarris administration, Brown said, for additional federal resources and support. Brown has formed a Hospital Care Prevention and Response group consisting of health care stakeholders to problem solve in real time and suggest new measures to aid health care workers and hospitals during the ongoing-hospital crisis. “We cannot wait for help to come,” Brown said. “We must proactively implement solutions right now.” Brown said additional health and safety restrictions may be needed. “All options are on the table,” she said. “The best way to keep businesses open

and families working is to get vaccinated,” she said. Sidelinger said the pandemic isn’t confined to unvaccinated adults. “Children are getting sick with COVID-19 in Oregon,” he said. “Pediatric cases are highest among 12 to 17 year olds.” Oregon Education Department Director Colt Gill explained that protocols put into place last year at Oregon’s schools are an effective protection for students. “Face coverings, social distancing and other practiced protocols are in place and we are encouraging students who are eligible to get vaccinated. In responding to reporters questions about mandating vaccinations for eligible students, Brown said all options are on the table. “We are exploring every possibility,” she said. Brown, Slidelinger, Allen, Gill and Absalon all urged people who have not been vaccinated to get vaccinated.

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The Oregon Education Association (OEA) President Reed Scott-Schwalbach released the following statement in part following Brown’s announcement. “OEA believes that today’s vaccine requirement will help provide stability for our students this fall and will help improve safety in our schools and in our communities. The science on this issue is clear. Vaccines, coupled with other proven public health mitigation strategies, are the best way to ensure our schools stay open and are a safe place for students to learn and for educators to teach. “We urge districts throughout the state to work collaboratively with educators on how this mandate is implemented at the local level and to continue efforts to maintain additional public health mitigation strategies such as the use of personal protective equip-

Follow pandemic developments at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle. ment, frequent testing, social distancing, ensuring proper ventilation and frequent disinfecting in our public schools.” Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) President Linda Pond said the new state mandate will likely increase vaccination rates among those workers but will also put additional pressure on an already dangerous nurse staffing crisis in Oregon. Pond said some health care workers opposed to the vaccine mandates will leave the profession before accepting a mandate. “We call on hospitals and health systems to focus on nurse retention and recruitment, invest in health care workers serving on the frontlines and open up a space at the decision-making table so they can hear from frontline nurses and caregivers,” Pond said. “The ONA believes that the COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the deep fractures in the health care system.”

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It’s been seventeen months since we’ve gathered at the Village Inn in St. Helens, and that’s just too long without our favorite breakfast meals. Mine is anything with hash browns. The schedule and the location are the same, and after such a long pause we’re all looking forward to seeing those familiar faces. We’ll meet the new Veteran’s Service Officer, Erin Nolan. Russ Clark has managed to retire but he may join us for breakfast. The doors open at 7 AM and the Breakfast Meeting starts at 8 AM with the Pledge of Allegiance. No doubt there will be empty chairs as the virus likely took it’s toll, but we will greet new arrivals and enjoy the camaraderie and the dissemination of important information. In the event the Governor issues an upgrade to the alert level, there very well might be a change to the schedule so if in doubt, call the Village Inn.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

County appealing sanctuary ordinance review JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle

Columbia County is appealing a court decision that refuses to answer legal questions about the county’s second amendment sanctuary ordinance.

Columbia County is appealing a court judge’s decision concerning the second amendment sanctuary ordinance. “The County will file an appeal today to request review of Judge Grove’s July 29th decision not to answer legal questions surrounding Columbia County’s Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance,” a release from Columbia County reads. The Columbia County Board of Commissioners filed the petition for validation seeking clarity from the court about what firearm regulations can be enforced

to avoid other costly litigation. Grove refused to answer those questions, according to the county’s release. The Columbia County Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance was adopted in April by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners to implement the intent of the voters as demonstrated by the passage of the “Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance” in 2018 and the “Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance” in 2020. “The ordinance is being implemented by the County to the best of its ability given the many questions that remain unanswered,” Columbia County Counsel Sarah Hanson said in a statement

when the appeal was filed. “We are asking the Court of Appeals whether it is lawful for the local court to refuse to provide a judgment as to the legality of the Ordinance.” Commissioner Casey Garret said he disagrees with the latest appeal. “It would have been more appropriate that there is a record that I don’t agree,” Garrett told The Chronicle following the release of the county statement. “It would be appropriate that the record should reflect that I was not supportive of the appeal. The county made a reasonable effort to ask that the court make an opinion and the court said it was not necessary. We made our reasonable effort.”

Redistricting meetings to be held virtually STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

In response to growing hospitalization rates across the state due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek today announced that the upcoming public hearings of the House and Senate Redistricting Committees will be moved to a virtual format. “While the committees had hoped to visit communities across Oregon in person, the recent surge in CO-

VID-19 cases has made this increasingly risky to public health,” Courtney and Kotek said in a release. “More Oregonians are now in our hospitals, intensive care units, or on ventilators than ever before in this pandemic. Our hospitals, healthcare workers, and frontline staff are overwhelmed. The Delta variant has changed everything. After consulting with infectious disease doctors, public health experts, and the bipartisan chairs and vice-chair of the House and Senate Redistricting commit-

tees, it has been decided to move September’s redistricting public hearings to a virtual format. “This will ensure a safe, transparent process where Oregonians from every community can make their voice heard and provide input on Oregon’s next set of legislative and congressional maps,” Courtney and Kotek said. The new schedule for the September Redistricting Public Hearings can be found below. Meetings will be held virtually and organized to hear from residents

of each current congressional district. Oregonians can participate by signing up for video or phone testimony, uploading written testimony, or by submitting a map for consideration by September 7. Wednesday, Sept. 8 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (residents of Congressional District 1) 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 2) 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (residents of Congressional

District 3) Thursday, Sept. 9 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (residents of Congressional District 4) 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 5) 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 1) Friday, Sept. 10 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (residents of Congressional District 2) 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 3) 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

(residents of Congressional District 4) Monday, Sept. 13 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. (residents of Congressional District 5) 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. (statewide: open to residents of any district) 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (statewide: open to residents of any district) For more information about redistricting or how to participate, visit www.oregonlegislature.gov/redistricting. Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

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This change will increase SNAP benefits distributed in Oregon by $337 million. For SNAP households this change on average will be about $36 more in money to buy food per person.

SNAP

From Page A1 household size, according to Sunderland. “These are called emergency allotments and we have been providing these emergency allotments since March 2020,” he said. SNAP benefit amounts vary depending on household size, income and other factors. SNAP benefits range from $0 a month (while receiving other services like employment and training services) to the maximum benefit amount for the household size. The need Sunderland said COVID-19 has had an incredible impact on Oregon’s economy and hunger and food insecurity in Oregon, citing an OSU study from December 2020 that estimates the rates of hunger and food insecurity more than doubled in 2020 and that there are about 1 million Oregonians experiencing hunger and food insecurity. From January 2020 to January 2021, the number of people receiving SNAP in Columbia County increased by more than 1,500 people, a 21% increase. The current and new maximum amounts are in the table attached. Households whose income is 185% of the federal poverty level or less qualify for SNAP benefits. “This means that a family of 4 making $49,000 a year is eligible for SNAP,” Sunderland said. “This is surprising for a lot of people. You can have a parent earning $23 an hour, while the other stays home with their two kids to save on daycare, and still

struggle with hunger and food insecurity.” September emergency allotments Most Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits will receive emergency allotments in September. The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September, approximately 402,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $65 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide emergency benefits to most SNAP households in Oregon,” Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Self-Sufficiency Program Director Dan Haun said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.” Emergency allotments will be available on Sept. 11 for current SNAP households. New SNAP households will receive the emergency allotments Sept. 30 or Oct. 2. SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards. More information about emergency allotments is available at www.oregon.gov/dhs/ ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/About-SNAP. aspx. Questions about your SNAP benefits should be di-

rected to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-6999075. Snap history SNAP provides nutritional assistance benefits to children and families, the elderly, the disabled, unemployed and working families. SNAP helps supplement monthly food budgets of families with low-income to buy the food they need to maintain good health and allow them to direct more of their available income toward essential living expenses. ODHS staff determines the eligibility of applicants based on guidelines established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The primary goals of the program are to alleviate hunger and malnutrition and to improve nutrition and health in eligible households. Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to local ODHS offices or by calling the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075. You can look up your local offices number at: www.oregon.gov/ dhs/Offices/Pages/Self-Sufficiency.aspx If you need help, here are important resources: • You can apply online for food, cash and medical help at: ONE.Oregon.gov • Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org • Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www. adrcoforegon.org • Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org For help with resources in your community

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Garden Plots: Are St. Helens white oaks dying? CHIP BUBL Chronicle Guest Article

Every plant species has to have a plan to get through the environmentally tough portions of their life cycle. An annual plant basically races to produce seeds and then dies. A biennial starts in summer, is hardened to winter cold, and then races to flower and go to seed in the following spring and summer. An herbaceous perennial like rhubarb or morning glory dies back to the ground in fall but keeps its roots and rhizomes winter-protected in the soil. Woody plants have to deal directly with the cold of winter and the heat and water stress of summer. Evergreen plants like Douglas fir, rhododendron, and Oregon grape are vulnerable in both summer and winter to extreme weather conditions. Deciduous woody plants like Oregon white oak and apple trees lose their leaves in the fall and are generally quite winter hardy in their normal range. But summers can be very stressful. We are in a drought. Rainfall since the “water year” started is about eight inches or more than 25% below normal. Summer temperatures have clearly been much hotter than normal. A walk around McCormick Park reveals scores of white oak trees with tan, dried up

leaves. There is nothing green left on them. But are they dead? Oregon white oaks (Quercus garryanna) are trees that survive on the toughest summer sites, like our St. Helens basalt rock. That is why they, along with madrone, are the primary woody tree species on that unique, challenging landscape. These oaks have a clear sensing capacity to judge when water is too short. When they hit that point, our oaks basically shut down and cut off the water connection to their leaves to conserve the moisture within the tree. They have gone dormant. In 2015, we had a very dry and fairly hot summer with almost no rain falling after mid-March. The oak leaves turned tan mid-summer. Several of us in the Extension office tagged some oak trees to see which lived and which died. The following year virtually all the oaks made it back. On full basalt, you will see scattered, very small white oak trees. Your assumption might be that

they are young. Often, this is not so. They can be over 100 years old and have a trunk less than six inches in diameter. They don’t grow fast but they dominate the site since no other trees can grow there. Acorns produced by these oaks have more seedling drought tolerance than acorns from oaks growing on less droughty sites. In other portions of these basalt sites, there is more soil and rock cracks that provide better access to water. The same white oaks there are big and beautiful and generally

don’t shut down so quickly in a drought. On those sites, white oaks may have to compete with Douglas fir, the bane of white oak trees. Douglas firs grow faster and shade out the oaks. Most of the foothills that now have Douglas fir used to be oak dominant sites. Native Americans valued the oaks far more than Douglas fir. They harvested

camas, deer, acorns, and other food the oak meadows. Acorns were leached in huge baskets placed where water flowed through them. Then the acorns were fit to eat. They started fires to maintain that landscape since oaks are fire resistant and Douglas fir is more fire susceptible. Mushrooms are also a part of oak survival. The fungal mycelium underground is attached to oak roots and transports water for the oak. The relationship effectively extends the local water

zone for the trees. The oak, in return, provides carbohydrates and other important compounds to the fungi that they can’t make. If an acorn falls within 15 feet of the tree, the important fungi for the seedling are acquired directly from the root of the “mother” tree. But if the acorn germinates further away, perhaps hauled there by squirrels, the fungal

spores come from rodent fecal pellets. It’s quite a happy extended family arrangement. But there are trees in forests, parks, and home landscapes that may well succumb to the heat and drought. Western red cedar is not doing well at all. Neither are Douglas fir when there is any indication of root rot. There were a few trees as McCormick Park that also may be in trouble. And, it is possible, that this summer is beyond the longevolved drought tolerance of our oaks and some on really tough sites may die. But asked to bet, I would bet on the oaks every time to survive. Important notes Plant an extra for the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. Cash donations to buy food are also greatly appreciated. The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened. Mask still required inside. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Have questions? If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State

University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-3973462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. The office is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503-397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at extension.oregonstate. edu/columbia and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/. Click on publications and start exploring. Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County Address: 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503-397-3462

Voices of the Community I was appalled I was appalled when I read Sheriff Pixley’s August 19th letter to our Governor. He began his letter with the statement “As Sheriff, it is my responsibility to provide for the peace and safety of those in Columbia County.” I have always believed that people in this country have a right to be stupid unless their stupidity puts others in jeopardy. Governor Kate Brown issued her Mask Mandate to try and protect the people in our State. The Governor has asked people to wear masks when congregating indoors. She is also asking educators to be vaccinated and school children to be masked. I agree that our County Sheriff is our only elected law enforcement official. He also swore an oath to support our Oregon and Federal Constitution. His oath did not give him option to be above the law or the right to ignore any law he does not like. With the COVID Delta Variant, there has been a major surge of COVID-19 cases in Columbia County. Pixley’s letter to the governor is both reckless and irresponsible. His actions will endanger the lives of the

citizen’s that he has sworn to protect. I hope he has second thoughts about his letter. I both supported and voted for him during this last election. I now have second thoughts. Sincerely, William Eagle St. Helens

Responding to Sheriff Pixley This is an open letter in response to the recent letter published in the name of Sheriff Pixley, in defiance of Governor Brown’s mask mandate. The majority of Americans agree with mask mandates at this time (72%). We sympathize with our governors who are trying to save lives. As you are neither a medical professional nor the holder of a legislative or executive office, please refrain from misrepresenting our county with anti-mask misinformation. The Delta variant is many times more transmissible than previous variants and children and young adults are more susceptible to it—this fact is particularly crucial as schools open for

the new academic year. The whole country is in the grip of a surge. As of today’s report (8/23/2021), Oregon has 4,701 new cases (the tip of the iceberg), and 24 deaths. Columbia County has seen a leap in numbers (80 reported today); we have cumulatively lost 33 souls to this scourge. Country wide, one out of five ICUs is now at full capacity, with more cases coming in daily. Our medical system is again at the brink of being overwhelmed--in fact, IS overwhelmed in states unfortunate enough to have governors who oppose mask mandates. All around the country, a vocal minority is trying to subvert the will of the majority regarding public health. The situation is both tragic and absurd. Please don’t add your voice to the cacophony, Sheriff Pixley. Sincerely, Columbia County Coalition for Human Dignity

and vaccine mandates. Are you aware of the Governor’s constitutional powers, which as you point our you are duty-bound to adhere to? Would you be okay with one of your subordinates not following your chain of command? You took an oath of office to serve and protect. We are in the midst of a pandemic which has killed more than 600,000 people in the U.S. alone. Wearing masks, social distancing and vaccinations are our only known resources to save lives. Is it really that big of an imposition to take such small measures to ensure the safety of members of our shared society? Speaking of a shared society, which hospitals in Columbia County will you be sending your COVID stricken constituents to? The truth is, there are no local hospitals in Columbia County, and residents will be sent to other county hospitals. As

of Aug. 18th, 93% of Oregon ICU beds are occupied. Soon there will be no po place to send them. How does your decision support your claim that it is your responsibility to provide for the safety of those in Columbia County? I struggle to understand how a public servant can have so little concern for the well-being of others. It is obvious you are just playing up to your base for votes. Shame on you. (20-year St. Helens resident) Helen J. Gross Portland

Mandate Enforcement Sheriff Brian Pixley is abdicating his duty to protect his citizens by refusing to enforce the mask and vaccine mandates set forth by the Governor. When a sworn officer

refuses to answer calls from his community, he is no longer able to be trusted. We foolishly have given the Sheriff’s Office in this county the role of arbiter of our State’s constitution, rather than the courts. He’s taken this role and expanded on this power trip by going beyond gun rights, the guise this ordinance was passed under, and moved to decline to enforce anything he disagrees with. We are not safe with a sheriff who refuses to protect our community by enforcing the safety measures spelled out, and embarrassingly believes he speaks for the entire county by posting his defiance on the official Facebook Feed. I look forward to supporting any challengers to his position in the next election for Sheriff. Rob Forman Columbia City

Sheriff Brian Pixley I am writing in regard to your letter to Governor Brown regarding the mask

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

PUD customers to see rate increases STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Following results of a Cost of Service Analysis (COSA), Columbia River PUD (CRPUD) is moving forward with rate adjustments. Beginning with the utility’s bills October 1, the PUD’s residential customers and small general service customers will each see their monthly base charge increase by $3 per month. The new residential base charge will be $18, up from $15. The base charge for small general service customers goes from $25 per month to $28 per month.

Residential customers receiving the income-qualified discount will see their base charge go from $3 per month to $3.60 per month. Irrigation customers will see a difference in the amount and frequency of their base charge. Currently, they are billed $200 annually. That will change to $20 per month. There will be no impact to the energy charge for these customers. Incomequalified seniors will continue to receive a 10% discount on their energy charge. “We’re really pleased we’re able to keep our rates low – to an overall 1.2% increase,” Columbia River PUD General Manager Mi-

chael Sykes said. With this change, CRPUD’s residential rates are still about 20% lower than the statewide average and 33% lower than the national average. Large general service customers and industrial customers will see slight decreases for their energy charges. The energy charge for large general service customers will decrease from 5.06¢ per kilowatt hour to 4.93¢ per kWh. Industrial

customers’ energy charge will decrease from 4.40¢ per kWh to 4.29¢ per kWh. “This could be really positive for our existing industrial and large general service customers,” Sykes said. “We hope that it encourages new industry to locate here with the reduced rate.” These changes are in line with the Columbia River PUD Board of Directors’ long-term plan to align PUD revenues with the recommendations of the COSA, according to a release from Columbia River PUD. The COSA recommends collecting 60% of revenue through variable costs, like the energy charge, and 40%

of revenue through fixed costs, like the base charge. Increasing the base charge is a small step toward the COSA recommendation while minimizing the impact on customers. “I think we’ve done a good job financially, working to keep our rates low and continuing to work towards the goals of the COSA within what we think is reasonable,” Columbia River PUD Board Member Jake Carter said. “I like what I’m seeing here on our increase: Keeping it as low as we can and trying to balance it out better.” The PUD’s Rate Advisory Committee met in June to review the results of the

2021 COSA. The Board of Directors held a public hearing concerning the proposed rate change during its August 17 meeting. “As much as we would like not to have any increase at all, the rate of inflation is forcing us to adjust it,” Columbia River PUD Board Member Garratt Tayler said. “Unfortunately, we’re paying more for certain materials since the pandemic hit and it’s not likely to return to normal any time soon.” Columbia River PUD provides electric service to 19,890 meters in Columbia and Multnomah Counties. For more information, call 503-397-1844.

Jobless rate declines for 15th consecutive month STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.2% in July from 5.6% in June. July was the 15th consecutive monthly decline in Oregon’s unemployment rate, according to the Oregon Employment Department. The reduction in the unemployment rate accelerated over the past two months with a 0.2 percentage point drop in June followed by a 0.4 point drop in July. These improvements followed slow declines of 0.1 point per month in each of the first five months of 2021. There were 105,502 unemployed in July compared to 204,520 unemployed in July 2020. There were 2,085,367 employed in Oregon in July compared to 1,850,232 in July 2020. Oregon’s July unemployment rate declined dra-

matically from its high of 13.2% in April 2020, at the peak of the last recession, to 5.2% in July. However, the state’s unemployment rate is still moderately above the period of record low rates in the years prior to the pandemic. During January 2017 through March 2020, Oregon’s unemployment rate was fairly steady, averaging 3.9%. For the past several years, Oregon’s unemployment rate generally has closely tracked the U.S. unemployment rate. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 5.4% in July from 5.9% in June. Nonfarm payroll employment grew in Oregon by 20,000 in July, following monthly gains averaging 9,100 in the prior six months. Job gains and losses Gains in July were largest in government (+12,800

jobs) and leisure and hospitality (+7,100). Only one major industry shed more than 900 jobs: transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-2,500 jobs). Government job gains in July were concentrated in local government — in contrast with federal government and state government which both experienced their normal seasonal pattern in July. Throughout the economic recovery of the past year, local government averaged more than 20,000 jobs below its pre-recession level of about 230,000. But in July, seasonally adjusted employment shot upward by 12,800 jobs. Likely factors in the stronger July pattern this year include schools not laying off the typical numbers of employees for the summer and cities and counties ramping up employment closer to prepandemic levels. Leisure and hospitality

RAINIER OREGON HISTORICAL MUSEUM (ROHM)

The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum is very grateful to our members and supporters listed below who have donated to ROHM’s new building fund. We have now raised $75,500 for our museum building fund. Once we reach $100,000, an anonymous donor will match $100,000. If you would like to donate to our new museum building fund, send a check to; Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM), PO Box 762, Rainier OR, 97048. Andersen, Beverly Baker, Carl Barton, Bill Beck, Steve (Memorial) Bernard, Duane & Joanne Betschart, Tunie Blahm, Janice Blayney, Jim & Patty Bonnell, Marcia J. Brusco-Harding, Bobbie Jo Burnham, Rick & Ann Byrnes, Karol Clark, Marjorie Clark, Mike Cole, Jerry, Mayor Cramer, Jack & Nancy Elbert, Carole Evans, George & Sherry Everman, Carol Everman, Jim & Amy Fisher, Dale Galford, Nancy L. Gault, Alice Giepel, Karl, Sara & Kody Greer, Anne Gressett, Norman & Beverly Guasch, Joyce Gutierrez, Marcie Hamlik, Anneatta Harding, Rod & Karen Harrison, William & Mary Head, Meryl Heflin, Dick & Kay Heflin, Kenny & Vanita Heimuller, Henry, Co. Commissioner Hoard, Robert Holmberg, Karen Jamieson, Bernice Jenkins, Claire Jennings, Steve Johnson, Betsy, Senator Johnson, Bob & Linda Johnson, Ray & Toni Keith, Henry & Mary Kelly, Jerry & Huong Kessell, Sandi Kramberg, Heather Kreger Construction Krenik, Connie & Jim Gaston

Laughlin, Delyla Lawrence, Sue Lincoln, Sandy May, Daniel & Radona McDonald, Christine Miracle Ear (Longview) Moon, Russ & Jan Moore, Patricia Northcutt, Sara Nys, Paul & Judy Oliva Brothers, LLC Owens, Jill Petersen, Al Poat, Tess & Alx Gilmer Rainier Eagles #4022 Rainier Liquor Store Rainier Masons Ranson, Eileen McKee Rauch, Robert L. Sr. Rea, Erma Reid, Doug & Judy Richey, Wendy Ridderbusch, Edd & Judi Rosebraugh, Charles “Ed” Russell, Nola Samuel S. Johnson Foundation Schmidt, Jason Singleton, Earl Skeans, Charles Stennick, Bill Teschner, Greg & Christina Teevin Bros. Land & Timber Thomas, Roger & Lisa Tipton, Les & Ryan Tolleshaug, Mike Uihlein, Sonja Van Natta, Kay Van Natta, Marilyn Van Natta, Robert & Martha Vance, Ken & Karen Vance, Rick Vasey, Tim & Kim Will, Larry Wilson, Emily Wolz, Jan

expanded rapidly in July, adding 7,100 jobs. Despite this gain, it still accounts for the bulk of Oregon’s jobs not recovered since early 2020, with 44,500 jobs left to recover to reach the prior peak month of February 2020. The industry has regained 60% of jobs lost early in the pandemic. Transportation, warehousing, and utilities declined by 2,500 jobs in July. This loss may reflect a change in the seasonal pattern of the industry over the past two years. With online shopping and delivery rapidly growing, the industry has exploded over the last few years. It ramped up by 12,500 jobs between April and December of last year, which was about double the industry’s seasonal hiring a few years prior. Despite the recent hiccup in July, the industry is still 5,100 jobs above its July 2019 total of 70,400 jobs.

PIXLEY From Page A1

vaccinated. But we will do so as individuals with free will over our own bodies. And I, as Sheriff, will fight for and support residents of Columbia County in this endeavor. “As Sheriff of Columbia County, I took an oath to uphold the constitution and to stand up and defend the people of this beautiful county we call home. I, and other elected leaders in Columbia County, have the right to do what is in the best interest for our community. Let us do so. We demand local control be place where it works best, in the hands of the individual citizens and local officials who represent Columbia County.” Reaction Following Pixley’s

Courtesy photo

There were 105,502 unemployed in July compared to 204,520 unemployed in July 2020. There were 2,085,367 employed in Oregon in July compared to 1,850,232 in July 2020, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

release of his letter to Gov. Brown late last week, The Chronicle reached out to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners to find out if they endorse Pixley’s statements and if his letter represent the county’s position concerning the state health and safety mandates. We have also contacted Gov. Brown’s office for her comments about Pixley’s letter. We received this response from the Columbia County Board of Commissioners Friday afternoon. “Sheriff Pixley’s letter to Governor Brown clearly illustrates his level of frustration regarding the Governor’s decision to bypass the authority of the county’s elected officials to determine what is appropriate for our community. He did not seek review, input, nor endorsement from the Board of Commissioners concerning his letter to the Governor. And while his letter is passionate, his

words are his own and he does not speak on behalf of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. “At this time, the Commissioners have instructed county employees to comply with the statewide mask mandate while continuing to work with the Governor and her staff on behalf of the residents of Columbia County. In the meantime, we ask that everyone continue to stay safe, be respectful of each other, and make responsible decisions as we all navigate through these challenging times together.” As of early Tuesday, Aug. 24, The Chronicle had not received a response from Gov. Brown. Join the conversation. Do you agree with Sheriff Pixley’s letter and is he speaking for you? Post your comments with this story at thechronicleonline. com.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Obituaries Charles Carpenter

Connie Irene Grabhorn

Oct. 12, 1944 ~ Aug. 12, 2021 Lifetime St. Helens resident, Charles Carpenter, passed away on August 12th in Portland at the age of 76, after suffering from complications associated with diabetes. Charlie was born October 12, 1944 to Mae (Streit) and W. G. (Glen) Carpenter. After graduating from St. Helens High School, Charlie went to work at the Boise Cascade (then Crown Zellerbach) papermill and rounded out 43 years of service. He began working on the paper machines at retirement was

Machine Tender on H-4. He was a very skillful papermaker! Charlie’s family was a large one of eight (seven boys and one girl). He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly Ann Carpenter in 2020; parents; brothers, Bill and Joe Carpenter; as well as son Craig Carpenter. Surviving are his son Mike Carpenter; three grandsons, Jacob, Eli and Jackson Carpenter; brothers, Jim, Steve, Jeff and Dave Carpenter; sister Trish DeLozier; as

well as brother-in-law and wife, Marilyn and Doug Putman of Alston’s Corner. When he wasn’t making papers, Charlie was enjoying cars, stock-car racing, sand-rails, motorcycles, and quads. He loved riding on the dunes at Florence, Brown’s camp and other offroad areas. At his request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, 700 SW Campus Drive, Portland, OR 97230.

Clarence E. Nickel

Jan. 26, 1917 ~ Aug. 20, 2021 Clarence E. Nickel went home to be with the Lord on August 20, 2021, at the age of 104 (and a half). Clarence was born January 26, 1917 in Willow Creek, North Dakota to August and Ella Nickel. As a child, he loved helping his grandfather and looked forward to the special mints that his grandmother had hidden in her apron. He completed the 8th grade, worked as a hired-hand, and eventually started farming his own land. Clarence met his wife, Verona Niewoehner, while working as a hired-hand on her family’s farm. After becoming engaged, Clarence was drafted into the Army where within two years he worked his way up to Staff Sergeant. He was Honorably discharged due to health issues. On June 18, 1944, Clarence and Verona were married in Pasadena, California while they were working for McDonnell Douglas building aircraft for the war. They moved back to North Dakota once WWII ended where they farmed and built a diner, the Blue Diamond. Clarence and Verona adopted four children, David, Bonnie, Jody, and Teresa before moving to Oregon in 1965. Much to Clarence’s surprise, in 1967, a fifth child, Heidi, was adopted, completing their family. Clarence owned a share

at Linton Plywood where he worked until his retirement. Upon retirement, he and Verona enjoyed traveling in their fifth-wheel. Everywhere they went, Clarence managed to find someone to talk to. There were never any strangers, just friends he hadn’t yet met. Clarence was a founding member of Calvary Lutheran Church in St Helens. He helped build the existing church where he was a beloved member. If something needed to be fixed or built, Clarence was the first to offer to take care of it. He could fix anything, a trait he picked up from his grandfather. Clarence enjoyed spending time with his family. He was especially delighted to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was not unusual to find him chasing the chil-

dren through the house with messed up hair and a cackle in his voice, only to catch them, tickle, and squeeze them until everyone was breathless. Clarence’s sweet-tooth was beneficial for the grandchildren too, as he always had black licorice and cookies to enjoy with his evening cup of coffee. Clarence is survived by his children: David Nickel (Linda), Teresa Zuniga (Daniel), and Heidi Ralls (Corey); his grandchildren: Christie Pierson (Tim), Jennifer Shimmin (Daniel), K’lyn Nickel, Cody Nickel (Tiffany), Stephanie Gordon (Ken), Melissa Beavers (Andrew), Jessica Hernandez (Eduardo), and Eldon Ralls; nine great grandchildren, his sister, Leona Moe, and numerous nieces and nephews. Clarence is predeceased by his wife, Verona, daughter Bonnie, and son Jody; sisters Adeline, Lenora, and Margaret, and his brother Albert. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Warren, Oregon, followed by a brief time of fellowship at Calvary Lutheran Church in St Helens. Funeral services are provided by Columbia Funeral Home of St Helens, Oregon. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice on behalf of Clarence Nickel.

Ida “Liz” Smith

July 8, 1926 ~ Aug. 18, 2021 Liz Smith passed away August 18th at the age of 95. Ida Lisette Anderson was born July 8, 1926 in Portland, Oregon to Charles and Mildred Anderson. Liz grew up in Deer Island, Oregon where she graduated from St. Helens High School in 1945. During High school, Liz played on the boy’s baseball and basketball team. After graduation, Liz worked for Echo Valley Dairy as a milk shagger. In 1949 she met Von Smith on a blind date and they were married in 1950. Von and Liz were married for 67 years until Von passed away in 2017. Liz worked alongside Von in their photo

PROTEST From Page A1

reported COVID-19 cases, up to 79 new cases in a 24 hour period, which is well above our target goal of 5 per day. This is a matter of concern for us as we are committed to providing all people in Columbia County with the opportunity for a healthy and productive life. County Commissioners, the Public Health Department, and local partners are taking every available action to address the spread of the COVID-19 virus. County action includes: • Establishing vaccination and testing sites. • Administering a program to provide vaccinations at places of business. • Providing home visit vaccinations and transportation to testing and vaccination sites for those who require it. • Managing contact tracing programs. • Performing extensive awareness outreach in the form of social media, billboards, print, and radio; as well as attending many public events and festivals to provide information and vac-

studio, Columbia Photo Service, in Warren, Oregon until they retired in 1990. Liz enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables to sell at their veggie stand in front cinations. • Operating the VaxMobile, an SUV wrapped with vaccination advertising, which is used for county business and in local parade. • Providing access to quarantine living for those who need it. “Our priorities continue to be maintaining a positive line of communication with the community, protecting public health and economic security, and providing reliable access to vaccinations and current information. “We ask that everyone be safe and continue to make responsible decisions as we continue to navigate through the pandemic.” Meeting Adjusted Late Monday afternoon, Aug. 23, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners announced that the Wednesday, Aug. 25 public meeting would be held virtually. The Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled 10 a.m. Aug. 25, has been adjusted to follow a hybrid meeting model. The commissioners will attend this meeting virtually. Audio-visual equipment has been prepared, at the Columbia County Courthouse, for public use. Access to the Annex meeting

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of their photo shop. Liz also enjoyed raising cattle, cutting firewood, hunting, fishing, mowing lawn, farming and going to Reno. She was a hard worker and enjoyed every bit of it. She would BS with anyone and everyone. She very rarely called anyone by their given name. Liz is survived by her cousins; nieces; nephews; hay crews; and a community that loves her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2021 at Bayview Farms, 57826 Old Portland Road, Warren, Oregon. Family interment will be at 2 p.m. on August 29, 2021 at Bethany Memorial Cemetery. area will be moderated and follow the rules outlined in Oregon HB 4212. Online meeting access information • https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/357054141 • United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access

May 18, 1930 ~ August 14, 2021

Connie was born May 18, 1930, to Douglas M. and Francis I. Curry (VanDeventer) in Douglas, Wyoming. She passed away peacefully at her residence in St. Helens, Oregon on August 14, 2021. Connie was 91 years old. Connie and her brother Warren spent their younger years in the Douglas area attending local schools and working in the family dry cleaning business. She enjoyed living in the town as it put her close to her childhood friends so they could go to the movie theater across the street and hang out at the “Candy Coop” candy store next door. During Connie’s teenage years, the Curry family moved to Portland, Oregon to start a new business. There she attended the High School of Commerce which is now called Cleveland High School. Connie became proficient in many business skills like dictation, shorthand, typing, and account-

ing as well as completing her high school education. This led her to a job with the Standard Insurance Company in downtown Portland. While liv-ing and working in Portland, Connie met and married Alton (Al) Grabhorn. Al and Connie moved to the Beaverton area and raised three boys Bruce, Bart, and Spencer Grabhorn. Over the years the family relocated to Columbia County, Oregon to slow down and enjoy farming in the Scappoose area. Con-

nie always enjoyed gardening and putting up her fresh grown vegetables and fruits. She was especially proud of her yummy jams and jellies. Her one desire was to become a “crazy cat lady”. She did love cats in a very special way. Surviving family members include sons Bruce (Robyn) and Bart (Janet); many grand kids; great grandkids; as well as nieces and nephews. Connie is preceded in death by her husband Alton; son Spencer; and her brother Warren of LaGrande, Oregon. She will be missed as a past member of her church family at Grace Lutheran in Scappoose. A graveside service will be held at Columbia Memorial Gardens near Scappoose on Au-gust 27, 2021 at 11 am. Connie would have wanted any remembrance donations to go to the local humane society. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.

Lois Anna Ball-Sprowl April 10, 1923 ~ Aug. 11, 2021

Lois Anna Ball-Sprowl passed away on August 11, 2021 at Avamere in St. Helens at the age of 98. She was born to Louis and Anna Carlson on April 10, 1923 in Berkeley, California; the fourth of five children. She grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from Berkeley High School in 1941. Lois married Charles M. Ball on Sept. 6, 1946. They initially lived in Susanville, California where their first child was born. Then they moved to Yreka, California, where their twin girls were born. A couple of years later, they moved back to the Bay Area and settled in Concord, California, where their youngest child was born. After retirement, they relocated to Mt. Hermon, CA (near Santa Cruz) where they resided until Chuck’s death in 1983. In 1990, Lois

married Paul Sprowl, until his passing in 1995. In 2003, Lois moved back up to the Bay Area, Walnut Creek, until 2015 when her children moved her up to St. Helens, Oregon to be closer to them. She learned to play the piano as a child and continued that passion nearly 80 years as a testament of her

faith in God that was an integral part of her life. Primarily a homemaker, she enjoyed interior design and was a world-wide traveler. Lois is survived by her children, Roseanne (Bill) Amos of Columbia City, Oregon, Darlene (Al) Perkins of Dallas, Oregon, Ilene (Ron) Buchholz of San Diego, California and David (Lewann) Ball of McCall, Idaho. Lois had seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a brother-in-law Bill Sindel of Albany, California. She was preceded in death by both husbands, her parents, and her siblings; Dorothy Dod, Edna Robie, Bill Carlson, and Jean Sindel, and nephew Ronald Dod. Her cremains will be placed next to those of her husband, Charles, in Felton/ Mt. Hermon, California.

Bill Edward Allshouse Oct. 17, 1957 ~ Aug. 18, 2021

Bill Allshouse, a resident of St. Helens, Oregon, passed away on Aug. 18, 2021. The family will be holding a viewing from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2021 at Columbia Funeral Home, 681 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, Oregon. Code: 357-054-141 The Columbia County Board of Commissioners meet at the county courthouse located at 230 Strand St. in St. Helens. The commissioners may be reached at 503397-4322.

Crossword Solution Solution for the August 18, 2021 crossword puzzle

Halloween & Fall Decor coming in daily! 215 S 1st Street St. Helens • 503-410-5280 • www.2csvendormall.com

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

WEDNESDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

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6:30

Good Morning America (N) (5:00) CBS This Morning: Saturday (N) Bass Wrap Up Show Sport Fishing KGW News at Sunrise (N) Hero Elementary Molly of Denali Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) College GameDay (N) (Live) Bluey Bluey Good Day Oregon Saturday (N) George Lopez George Lopez

SATURDAY AFTERNOON KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

12:00

6:00

12:30

6:30

6:00

6:30

Good Morning America (N) In Touch With Dr. Charles Stanley (N) Seasons on the Fly World Today KGW News at Sunrise (N) Peg & Cat (EI) Elinor Wonders Why Good Day Oregon Sunday (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Bluey Bluey Good Day Oregon Sunday (N) Family Matters Family Matters

SUNDAY AFTERNOON KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

12:00

6:00

12:30

6:30

Family Feud Family Feud MLB Baseball: Yankees at Athletics Princess Protection Disney Princess Post-Game Mike & Molly (5:00) ›› “Just Friends” (2005) (DVS)

6:00

6:30

KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) KOIN 6 News at 6 (N) CBS Evening News Street Outlaws: Memphis “Boogie Nights” KGW News KGW News at 6:30 This Old House BBC News 6 O’Clock News (N) MLB Baseball: Red Sox at Rays Raven’s Home Raven’s Home Family Feud Family Feud Family Guy Family Guy

TUESDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

7:00

7:30

8:00

8:30

9:00

9:30

Wheel of Fortune Ent. Tonight

Holey Moley The competition heats up. When Nature Calls With Helen Mirren Big Brother A houseguest is evicted. The Neighborhood B Positive Homestead Rescue “A Golden Opportunity” The Raneys rescue the Kramers in Alaska. Inside Edition (N) Brooklyn Nine-Nine Brooklyn Nine-Nine Making It “Shed Hack” (Season Finale) (N) Oregon Art Beat Outdoor Idaho Shakespeare and Hathaway -- Private Family Feud MasterChef Chef Niki Nakayama. Call Me Kat Call Me Kat SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Jessie Jessie The Big Bang Theory 8 O’Clock News (N) 9 O’Clock News (N) The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory The Cube Shanden and Mae compete. (N)

7:30

8:00

8:30

7:00

7:30

8:00

8:30

10:00

10:30

9:00

9:30

10:00

10:30

AUGUST 25, 2021

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live! KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:13) Expedition Unknown KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Earth’s Natural Wonders 11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Family Guy Family Guy Full Frontal George Lopez

AUGUST 26, 2021

11:00

11:30

The Hustler Five new contestants compete. Bull Bull adjusts to a virtual court system.

KATU News at 11 (N) Jimmy Kimmel Live! KOIN 6 News at 11 Late Show-Colbert (:03) Homestead Rescue “Bear Bait” Law & Order: Special Victims Unit KGW News at 11 (N) Tonight Show Inspector Morse “Driven to Distraction” Morse and Lewis clash over procedure. 10 O’Clock News (N) 11 O’Clock News (N) (:35) People (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug The Big Bang Theory The Simpsons Family Guy Family Guy The Cube “Lean on Me” (DVS) The Cube Shanden and Mae compete.

10:00

10:30

AUGUST 27, 2021

11:00

11:30

9:00

9:30

10:00

10:30

AUGUST 28, 2021

11:00

11:30

KATU News This Morning Saturday (N) (Live) Ocean Treks 2021 Little League World Series Tom Seaver Final: Teams TBA. (N) (Live) Lucky Dog “King” Innovation Nation Mission Unstoppable Hope in the Wild (N) Pet Vet Dream Team All In With Laila Ali Auto Race Course Record Football Drive Major League Fishing (N) Abandoned: Expedition Shipwreck Abandoned: Expedition Shipwreck Abandoned: Expedition Shipwreck Paid Program Premier League Soccer Liverpool vs Chelsea. (N) (Live) PGA Tour Special Clifford-Dog Sesame Street Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive Relieving Stress With Yoga Forever Painless With Miranda Edmonde-White Biz Kid$ Think Big College Football Nebraska at Illinois. (N) (Live) High School Football St. Frances (MD) at St. Thomas Aquinas (FL). From Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (N) (Live) Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug Disney Princess Disney’s Magi Garden Time Southern Liv The Carbonaro Effect Paid Program America’s Heartland Biz Kid$ George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez Seinfeld Seinfeld “The Pick” Seinfeld “The Visa” Seinfeld The Cube “Lean on Me”

1:00

1:30

2:00

2:30

7:00

7:30

8:00

8:30

7:00

7:30

8:00

8:30

3:00

3:30

4:00

4:30

AUGUST 28, 2021

5:00

5:30

9:00

9:30

10:00

10:30

9:00

9:30

10:00

10:30

AUGUST 28, 2021

11:00

11:30

KATU News at 11 (N) ROH Wrestling KOIN 6 News at 11 Graham Bensinger (:03) Expedition Unknown “Code to Gold” KGW News at 11 (N) Saturday Night Live Classic Albums Game of Talents Two new teams compete. SportsCenter (N) (Live) Disney’s Magic Bake-Off Storm of Suspicion “Silent Seas” Miracle Workers The Cube

AUGUST 29, 2021

11:00

11:30

KATU News This Morning Sunday (N) (Live) CBS News Sunday Morning (N) Local Knowledge Legendary Locations It’s How You Meet the Press (N) Mister Rogers Let’s Go Luna! Dinosaur Train

Your Voice Sharyl Attkisson This Week With George Stephanopoulos (N) Sea Rescue Hearts of Heroes (N) Face the Nation (N) International Swimming League Naples. From Naples, Italy. (N) (Live) Bull Riding Legendary Locations Expedition Unknown Expedition Unknown “The Lost Avenger” Expedition Unknown “Ransom in the Sky” 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Paralympic Daytime Show. From Tokyo. PGA Tour Special PGA Golf Arthur (DVS) Rick Steves Fascism in Europe Nature Relationship between humans and horses. (DVS) FOX News Sunday With Chris Wallace (N) Dog Tales Animal Rescue ››› “Ghost” (1990) Patrick Swayze. 2021 Little League World Series Consolation Game: Teams TBA. (N) (Live) Little League Home Run Derby Little Gems High School Football IMG Academy (FL) at Bishop Sycamore (OH). Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Big City Greens Miraculous: Ladybug Miraculous: Ladybug “Spin” (2021) Kerri Medders. Paid Program Smiley Healthy Paid Program Whacked Out Sports DragonFlyTV Think Big George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez George Lopez Seinfeld Seinfeld Seinfeld Seinfeld The Cube “Lean on Me” (DVS)

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7:00

7:30

8:00

8:30

KATU News at 6 (N) (Live) America’s Funniest Home Videos Celebrity Family Feud (N) (DVS) KOIN 6 News CBS Weekend News 60 Minutes (N) Big Brother (N) Naked and Afraid: Uncensored (N) Naked and Afraid: Uncensored (N) Naked and Afraid (N) (5:00) NFL Preseason Football Cleveland Browns at Atlanta Falcons. (N) (Live) Tokyo Paralympics Great Performances Tenor Andrea Bocelli performs. I Miss Downton Abbey! Celebration of Downton Abbey.

MONDAY EVENING KATU ^ KOIN & DISC _ KGW ( KOPB * KPTV , ESPN C DISN I KPDX Q TBS W

9:30

3:00

3:30

4:00

4:30

AUGUST 29, 2021

5:00